Community Passes Elmhurst Park District Referendum
As of November 5, 2024, the majority of Elmhurst Park District voters answered “yes” to the bond referendum request to raise revenue to improve, equip and maintain parks and facilities throughout the District, including replacing the Wagner Community Center; building a community bandshell at Wilder Park; adding permanent, heated restrooms at three parks and along the Prairie Path; and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.
The new Wagner Community Center will accommodate more residents and feature:
- Free three-lane walking/jogging track
- Gymnasium for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other sports
- Artificial turf field for soccer, football, baseball and other sports
- Larger spaces for dance and gymnastics programs
- Flexible multi-purpose spaces for more programming and community gatherings
- Indoor play area for children
- Dedicated early childhood and preschool spaces with a secure entrance
“Our residents have been an essential part of this process from the beginning, sharing their vision during the Elevate Elmhurst Parks planning, providing feedback on projects during multiple open houses, answering our voter survey and then voting,” said Kevin Graf, Park Board President. “We are pleased to be able to deliver their vision.”
With the community’s approval of the bond request, the Park District will complete design development for the Wagner Community Center along with the other projects in 2025. At the same time, plans will be made to temporarily relocate programs and services currently held at the Wagner Center beginning in fall 2025. Construction on the new Wagner Center is expected to start in 2026 with the new facility opening in fall 2027. The community bandshell, year-round heated restrooms, and upgrading a grass field to artificial turf will be completed in 2026-2028.
Check this webpage and regularly follow us on social media to stay up to date on progress and details.
November 2025 Progress Report
Wagner Community Center (WCC) Project
- Preliminary Planned Unit Development for project approved by Elmhurst Development, Zoning, and Planning Committee and City Council.
- Coordination meeting held with ComEd to discuss demolition, temporary power, and new service to the new Wagner Community Center.
- First two bid packages for the project issued for bid –Demolition and Precast Concrete.
- Board approved contract for Demolition.
Wagner Community Center (WCC) Relocation
- Main registration office operations shifted to the Kies Recreation Center.
- Existing Wagner Community Center closed on October 19.
- Specialized moving contractor relocated gymnastics equipment followed by a general moving contractor transferring all supplies, office furniture, and recreational equipment.
- Recreation staff offices transitioned to 185 Industrial Drive.
Eldridge Park Restroom Building
- Landscape restoration completed in areas where underground utilities were installed.
- Brickwork, rough electrical, and plumbing work inside the building are ongoing.
Wilder Park Bandshell with Restrooms
- Upland developed and presented concept plans with three bandshell locations.
- Dewberry presented four bandshell designs for consideration.
- Board reduced concept plan options to two - one east of Wilder Mansion and one facing north from what is considered the old ice-skating area.
- Upland Design presented, and Board discussed, draft survey questions.
- On Thursday, November 20 an Open House will be held from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Wilder Mansion to coincide with the launch of survey.
Prairie Path Restroom Building
- Approximately 20 residents attended the Public Open House held on October 21 at Wilder Mansion.
- Survey available online from October 22 through November 4; 1,025 surveys submitted.
- Survey results will be analyzed and findings presented at a future Board meeting.
